Jazz Studies (Graduate)

Note: Applicants apply for the MM or DMA in Performance.

The following requirements are in addition to completing the University application and the Supplemental Music Application.

Graduate applicants must also complete:

• Jazz Saxophone/Trumpet/Trombone auditions consists of the following:
  • Prepare a solo piece including playing the melody and at least 3 improvised choruses of a jazz standard (any style)
  • Be prepared to play at least two blues heads and improvise on the changes
  • Be prepared to play the melody to one jazz standard ballad and improvise at least one chorus
  • Be prepared to play the melody to one medium swing tempo jazz standard of your choosing and improvise at least one chorus
  • Be prepared to play the melody to the jazz standard "All The Things You Are" and improvise at least one chorus
  • Be prepared to play the melody to the jazz standard "Oleo" and improvise at least one chorus

• Jazz Piano/Guitar/Bass
  • 1 blues head (in F or Bb). Students will be asked fo play the melody, then comp (piano and guitar only), and finally improvise on the changes.
  • 1 jazz standard any style. Students will be asked to play the melody, then comp (piano and guitar only), and finally improvise on the changes.
  • 1 rhythm changes tune. Students will be asked to play the melody, then comp (piano and guitar only), and finally improvise on the changes.
  • Demonstrate major, jazz melodic minor, harmonic minor and harmonic major scales, diminished, tritone, and augmented scales. Demonstrate all major modes in all keys and blues scales in all keys.

• Jazz Drumset auditions consist of the applicant being able to demonstrate their ability to play in the following musical styles:
  • 4/4 swing at a variety of tempos
  • Funk and rock styles at a variety of tempos
  • Samba and bossa nova
  • Mambo
  • Afro-Cuban 6/8
  • Additional skills assessed during the Jazz Drumset audition:
    • Brush technique
    • Waltz and odd meter performance
    • Repertoire knowledge
    • The prospective student should be prepared to discuss previous performance experience, teachers, and method books used in study.
    • If available, the prospective student will have an opportunity to demonstrate the above skills in a performance situation with either a large or small jazz ensemble.
• Arranger/composer applicants must complete additional requirements that consist of:
  • Show a portfolio of your arrangements/compositions at your audition as well as recordings of those works
  • Demonstrate the ability to harmonize a lead-line using 4-part closed position voicings and 4-way drop-two voicings
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of transpositions and ranges of instruments found in a contemporary jazz setting